Have you heard that your central air conditioning system is rated using the SEER method? Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, and Electric can help you identify the efficacy of your central air conditioning system and are trained in finding you a unit that will best fit you and your home’s needs.
But, what exactly is a SEER rating and should that be a determining factor when purchasing your new unit?
SEER, also known as the “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio” determines just how efficient your system utilizes electricity to keep up with its usage. The higher the SEER number, the less electricity your system needs to run as efficiently as possible.
Air conditioning systems have improved significantly over the past decade, and when you purchase a new system you will be told it’s SEER rating, the range is 13 SEER to 24 SEER: the higher the better! It’s also a good rule of thumb that if the SEER rating is higher, the air conditioning unit will be more expensive. The higher the rating the more likely your unit is given an “Energy Star” label.
SEER ratings are first calculated by determining the amount of heat (BTUs) removed from the home during the year, according to the AHRI standard. Then, once you have determined the BTU’s, you divide that number by the total number of electricity the heat pump or unit used during the cooling season, typically expressed in watt-hours or by the abbreviation, Wh.
SEER=Btu/Wh
For a more accurate annual cost of operation, you can contact your electrical utility company to come out and measure. It’s important to consider the amount of your usage during the warmer seasons when you utilize the air conditioning unit. If you are considering replacing your current unit, a piece of advice to keep in mind is that the more energy-efficient the unit, the higher the price may be. Some customers who replace their units can see a difference in their electricity bill as soon as the next cooling season, and some of them have told us their cooling season is cheaper than it’s ever been, even a few years after the initial installation. Our technicians will help determine the proper size and SEER options for your home and lifestyle.
When you are considering a new air conditioning system or total HVAC replacement, Affordable Service Plumbing, Heating, A/C, and Electric will come out to do a no obligation, free estimate. During that consultation, our technician will go over Carrier SEER ratings and determine the best unit for you and your home’s needs!
